CAAG INSIDE ENGLISH 2011_Layout 1.qxd - Ministry of Foreign ...

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Languages
Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is
widely spoken.
Religion
The Greek Cypriots are predominantly Christian and
adhere to the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church
of Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots are Sunni Muslims,
while Maronites belong to the Maronite Catholic
Church, the Armenians predominantly to the
Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church and Latins
to the Latin Catholic Church.
Cultural Heritage
- Neolithic settlements (Khirokitia)
- Classical, Hellenistic and Roman monuments
(Salamina, Ancient Odeon of Pafos, Mosaics from
the House of Dionysos in Pafos)
- Byzantine and Latin churches and monasteries (the
Church of Panayia Phorviotissa-Asinou, the Church
of Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Kykkos Monastery)
- Lusignan and Venetian fortresses and castles (12th
–16th century), (Pellapais Abbey, Venetian Walls of
Nicosia, St Hilarion Castle)
- Mosques (Hala Sultan Mosque, Bayraktar Mosque).
Multiculturalism
Cyprus has been conquered by many powers at
various periods and has managed to assimilate various
cultural influences. Its geographic and strategic
position has turned it into an example and prototype
of harmonious coexistence of different cultures.
Dispersed throughout its territory are historic and
religious monuments of varying styles, themes and
philosophies.
As an EU member-state, this advantage contributes to
the promotion of principles on which the European
ideals are based, that is, the peaceful coexistence,
cooperation, respect for diversity and the seeking of a
convergence of ideas.
Geographically, Cyprus is at a crossroads of
civilisations and a bridge between cultures.